About the Ansonia “Lydia” Clock
Title: Ansonia “Lydia” Clock Model: A Collector’s Gem
The Ansonia “Lydia” clock, produced between 1895 and 1917, is a quintessential mantel clock that graces any antique collection with its timeless elegance. This model, named after Ansonia’s most popular line of clocks, embodies the company’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation during the Victorian era.
The “Lydia” is distinguished by its intricate cast-iron case, often adorned with ornate floral motifs, cherubs, or other decorative elements that reflect the Art Nouveau style of the period. The case typically features a rich, dark patina from years of aging and is supported by four lion’s paw feet, adding to its grandeur.
What makes the Ansonia “Lydia” clock particularly collectible is its unique combination of aesthetic beauty and mechanical precision. The clock houses a 30-hour time-and-strike movement with a pendulum visible through an aperture in the case, offering both function and visual appeal. Notable features include the chiming mechanism that plays Westminster or Whittington quarters, and the dial, which is usually silvered brass with Roman numerals and ornate hands.
Collectors also appreciate the “Lydia” for its rarity compared to other Ansonia models, due in part to its production period ending over a century ago. Restoring and owning an Ansonia “Lydia” clock not only provides a glimpse into America’s industrial past but also offers an opportunity to experience the exceptional artistry and engineering that defined the Ansonia Clock Company during its heyday.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 12 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Ansonia “Lydia” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Ansonia Clock Co. “Lydia”, ca 1894.
One of the figural clocks most collectors are trying to find for their collections. It is a much larger clock than the pictures in the catalogs depict. It stands 19 1/2 inches high, and is very heavy. The metal is finished in Barbedienne, a member of the gold family. To point out just a few of the figures on the clock, starting at the base; sea serpents make up each of the 4 corners extending down to the feet. There is an eagle on the base with banners in his mouth that reach up each side to the head of a goddess. There are cherubs standing on each side of the urn. The urn top appears to have some fresh finish. There is a rams head in the center above the dial, same on the back. The cherubs have a bow over their shoulder. The later Lydia’s did not have that feature. Gilt 2 piece porcelain dial with open escapement, silver dial ring, beveled glass. Movement is 8 day, striking on a gong. This is a very ornately decorated clock, complete with a back door, correct pendulum, and hands. Ly-Ansonia No.1585.
Sold: $0 unsold | Date: 1/1/2003 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Ansonia Clock Co., New York, NY, “Lydia”, 8 day, time and strike spring driven movement metal case mantel clock.
Cast metal case in nice condition with much of its Syrian bronze finish intact. The dial is in very nice condition. Original hands. Movement is signed.
Sold: $950 | Date: April 29, 2017 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Ansonia “Lydia” T & S Iron Case Clock
ornate dial with black cartouche with gold Roman numerals and visible escapement; has pendulum and key; marked Ansonia works. (Wound tight on right side.) 21″
Sold: $1,500 | Date: Feb 18th, 2012 | Source: Tom Harris Auctions
Ansonia Clock Company, “Lydia”, ca 1894-1904. This clock was completely restored by Bruce Baziluk.
In his restoration process all the old (what is left) finish is removed and the new finish is then applied. This gives it the exact look it had when it left the Ansonia factory 100 years ago. It stands 19.5 inches high. He refinished this one in silver, which is one of the many finishes Ansonia used on their metal clocks. The clock is perfect in all respects, except, I left the bows off accidentally when taking the picture. Look at the picture No. 251 to see how the bows should look. 8 day movement, half hour gong strike, running. Ly-Ansonia No. 1582.
Sold: $0 unsold | Date: January, 2005 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Ansonia “Lydia” Metal Mantle Clock
time and strike; 4 1/2″ metal dial with Roman numerals; visible escapement; marked movement; has key and pendulum; beveled glass; not tested for running condition. 20″
Sold: $1,600 | Date: July 27, 2011 | Source: Tom Harris Auctions
Ansonia Clock Co. “Lydia”, ca 1894.
You would have tosee it in person to really appreciate the complete restoration of this outstanding early Ansonia clock. Bruce Baziluk refinished it in silver, which is one ofthe finishes Ansonia used on some early pieces. I donÕt know where they are, but you just never see one on the market. The catalog pictures almost showyou nothing. I will try to describe it but there is too much detail to doit adequately. The four feet are sea serpents that are intertwined on thesides. Above them, on each side is the bust of Lydia?, and standing aboveher is a cupid with bow and quiver. The cupids are reaching up toward theurn which is designed to look like a pool of water with lily pads. At thebottom-front, an eagle with wings spread. Above the eagle is the unusual dial, sash, beveled glass, hands, and open escapement mechanism, all done up insilver, except for the brass numbers and brass inner dial. Above the dial, are a rams head, and then the urn on top. Total piece is almost 20 incheshigh and 12 inches wide. 8 day movement strikes half hours on a gong. Thisis one nice, big clock, beautifully done up. Awfully tempting to keep a whilelonger as the prices keep going up much faster than the stock market. Ly-Ansonia No. 1585.
Sold: $0 | Date: July, 2003 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Ansonia Clock Co. figural clock, the “Lydia”, ca 1894.
This is a large clock standing 19.5 inches high and very heavy. The case is covered with cast ornaments top to bottom. Cupids peering into the fountain, bows on their backs. There is a rams head top center above the dial, identical head on the back side. Below the dial is a large eagle with banners in his mouth that stretch up each side to the large goddess figures. Sea serpents are resting on the 4 large feet. Many other figures too numerous to mention. Gilt metal dial ring with raised numerals, open escapement, correct hands, silver dial ring and sash with a beveled glass. The movement is 8 day, striking a gong, running. Correct pendulum and metal back door. Case is finished in Barbedienne, which is one of the gold shades. This is a very ornate clock that we rarely see for sale. There weren’t a great many made and what were made are being held by Ansonia collectors. Ly-Ansonia #1585.
Sold: $2,850 | Date: June, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Ornate Ansonia “Lydia” Iron Clock W/ Cherubs
all metal with porcelain cartouche numerals; visible escapement; 8 day; half hour gong strike; beveled glass; cherubs, lady heads, eagle, ram’s head and dolphin sides; has key. (Back screwed in place; white paint drops on back; paint finish on cherubs has losses.) 20″ x 12″ x 7 1/2″
Sold: $1,100 | Date: October 1, 2011 | Source: Tom Harris Auctions
Fancy Ansonia “Lydia” Cherub Iron Clock
metal case with winged cupids, lady busts, ram’s head, eagle with drapery, dragons sides on base; time and strike; 8 day; half hour gong strike; visible escapement; beveled glass; Arabic numerals; has pendulum; marked Ansonia Clock Co. on movement; running. 20″ x 11 3/4″ x 8″
Sold: $1,400 | Date: October 1, 2011 | Source: Tom Harris Auctions
C.1895, Ansonia LYDIA, in good, as-found, condition, with an old brushed coat of gold paint.
Note that the dial and hands are similar to lot 339. The movement is complete and sound, but might benefit from service. There are no breaks nor apparent repairs to the case. This clock sold new for $52, a substantial sum at the time. This fanciful case has dolphins for feet, cherubs at the top, busty ladies and below the clock an eagle with wings spread; above the dial, a goat with big curly horns. Height 19.5 inches
Sold: $1,200 | Date: October 18, 2003 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Ansonia Clock Co., New York, “Lydia”, 8 day, time and strike, spring brass movement metal case figural mantel clock.
The large heavy cast metal silver finished case has aged to more of gun metal appearance. Original gilt and silvered dial is very nice. Original hands.
Sold: $700 | Date: October 21, 2017 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Ansonia Clock Co., New York, NY, “Lydia” cast metal “Barbedienne” finish, 8 days, time and strike mantel clock, visible escapement, c1894
the large heavy ornate case is in very nice condition with no losses and just minor losses of the finish. The convex beveled glass, and the fancy dial with its cartouche blue numbers all are fine The rear door is absent. The signed movement ticks and strikes will need service; one visible pallet is jeweled, the other is steel. Ht 20 1/2″
Sold: $700 | Date: October 25, 2015 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts